METHODS, APPARATUSES, AND SYSTEMS FOR ASPIRATING AIRWAYS

Abstract

The present disclosure includes methods, apparatuses, and systems for aspirating the airway of a patient. The apparatus includes a main body having a pump and a storage canister housing coupled to the main body and containing a storage container that is at least partially collapsible. In some configurations, the main body can include a pressure sensor, a controller in communication with the pressure sensor, and having a processor, a memory, and a power source in communication with the controller. The storage canister housing can include a first end coupled to the main body, and a second end having a weighted portion and configured to be coupled to the first end to permit free rotation, such that the second end gravitationally rotates.

Claims

1. An apparatus for aspirating an airway of a patient, the apparatus comprising: a main body comprising: a pressure sensor; a controller in communication with the pressure sensor, the controller comprising: a processor; a centrifugal pump; and a memory; a power source in communication with the controller; a storage canister housing coupled to the main body, the storage canister housing comprising: a first end coupled to the main body; a second end having a weighted portion and configured to be coupled to the first end to permit free rotation, such that the second end gravitationally rotates about a first longitudinal axis; an inlet disposed on the second end, where the inlet is configured to rotate about a second longitudinal axis that is offset by a distance from the first longitudinal axis; a storage canister disposed within the storage canister housing and coupled to the inlet of the storage canister housing; a suction tube having a proximal end coupled to the inlet and a distal end; and a handle coupled to the distal end of the suction tube, the handle comprising: a first portion having an opening configured to receive a suction catheter; and a second portion moveably coupled to the first portion and configured to receive the distal end of the suction tube.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a filter disposed within the opening of the first portion.

3. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 2, where the first portion includes a slot for receiving a release mechanism for detaching the second portion from the first portion.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, where the controller is configured to measure a pressure at the inlet and shut off the pump when the measured pressure falls below a threshold pressure.

5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a light source coupled to the handle.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an outer cover configured to be coupled to the main body and enclose a portion of the storage canister housing.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, where the storage canister is configured to be at least partially collapsible.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, where the centrifugal pump is configured to generate a vacuum pressure of at least 400 mmHg.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, where the controller is configured to evacuate water, vomitus, solid pieces, solid particulates, and/or blood at a flow rate of at least 0.5 L/min.

10. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 9, where the storage canister has a storage volume of at least 0.2 L.

11. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10, where the processor is configured to determine a patient condition via optical and/or electrochemical analysis.

12. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11, where the main body, storage canister housing, and/or outer cover includes a surface coating selected from the group of surface coating characteristics consisting of: anti-reflective, camouflage, electromagnetic shielding, and combinations thereof.

13. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a muffler system coupled to the main body to reduce operating noise.

14. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 13, where the storage canister has a fixed volume portion capable of holding up to 200 mL, and an expandable volume portion capable of holding at least an additional 100 mL.

15. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a suction tip attachment configured to be coupled to the suction catheter, where the suction tip attachment includes a filter for trapping debris.

16. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 15, where the controller is configured to provide a pressure range for treating pneumothorax.

17. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 16, where the apparatus has an overall dimension of 30 cm×15 cm×15 cm or less.

18. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 17, where the apparatus has an overall weight of less than 1.2 kg.

19. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 18, where the handle further comprises a trigger mechanism configured to actuate the centrifugal pump.

20. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 19, where the handle further comprises a lumen in fluid communication with an irrigation chamber and the controller configured to dispense fluid from the irrigation container through the lumen.

23. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 22, where the handle further comprises a camera.

24. An apparatus for aspirating an airway of a patient, the apparatus comprising: a main body comprising: a pressure sensor; a controller in communication with the pressure sensor, the controller comprising: a processor; a centrifugal pump; and a memory; a power source in communication with the controller; a storage canister housing coupled to the main body, the storage canister housing comprising: a first end coupled to the main body; a second end having a weighted portion and configured to be coupled to the first end to permit free rotation, such that the second end gravitationally rotates about a first longitudinal axis; an inlet disposed on the second end, where the inlet is configured to rotate about a second longitudinal axis that is offset by a distance from the first longitudinal axis; a storage canister disposed within the storage canister housing and coupled to the inlet of the storage canister housing, the storage canister comprising: a first portion having a plurality of ribs defining a fixed volume; a second portion coupled to the first portion and defining a second volume; and a suction tube having a proximal end coupled to the inlet and a distal end; and a handle coupled to the distal end of the suction tube, the handle comprising: a first portion having an opening configured to receive a suction catheter; and a second portion moveably coupled to the first portion and configured to receive the distal end of the suction tube.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, further comprising a filter disposed within the opening of the first portion.

26. The apparatus of any one of claims 24 to 25, where the first portion includes a slot for receiving a release mechanism for detaching the second portion from the first portion.

27. The apparatus of any one of claims 24 to 26, where the controller is configured to measure a pressure at the inlet and shut off the pump when the measured pressure falls below a threshold pressure.

28. The apparatus of any one of claims 24 to 27, further comprising a light source coupled to the handle.

29. The apparatus of any one of claims 24 to 28, further comprising an outer cover configured to be coupled to the main body and enclose a portion of the storage canister housing.

30. The apparatus of any one of claims 24 to 29, where the storage canister is configured to be at least partially collapsible.

31. The apparatus of any one of claims 24 to 30, where the centrifugal pump is configured to generate a vacuum pressure of at least 500 mmHg.

32. The apparatus of any one of claims 24 to 31, where the controller is configured to evacuate water, vomitus, and/or blood at a flow rate of at least 1 L/min.

33. The apparatus of any one of claims 24 to 32, where the storage canister has a storage volume of at least 0.5 L.

34. The apparatus of any one of claims 24 to 33, where the processor is configured to determine a patient condition via optical and/or electrochemical analysis.

35. The apparatus of any one of claims 24 to 34, where the main body, storage canister housing, and/or outer cover includes a surface coating selected from the group of surface coating characteristics consisting of: anti-reflective, camouflage, electromagnetic shielding, and combinations thereof.

36. The apparatus of any one of claims 24 to 35, further comprising a muffler system coupled to the main body to reduce operating noise.

37. The apparatus of any one of claims 24 to 36, where the fixed volume of the first portion is at least 200 mL, and the second volume of the second portion is at least 800 mL.

38. The apparatus of any one of claims 24 to 37, further comprising a suction tip attachment configured to be coupled to the suction tip, where the suction tip attachment includes a filter for trapping debris.

39. The apparatus of any one of claims 24 to 38, where the controller is configured to provide a pressure range for treating pneumothorax.

40. The apparatus of any one of claims 24 to 39, where the apparatus has an overall dimension of 30 cm×15 cm×15 cm or less.

41. The apparatus of any one of claims 24 to 40, where the apparatus has an overall weight of less than 1.2 kg.

42. The apparatus of any one of claims 24 to 41, where the handle further comprises a trigger mechanism configured to actuate the centrifugal pump.

43. The apparatus of any one of claims 24 to 42, where the handle further comprises a lumen in fluid communication with an irrigation chamber and the controller configured to dispense fluid from the irrigation container through the lumen.

44. The apparatus of any one of claims 24 to 43, where the handle further comprises a camera.

45. A method for aspirating an airway of a patient, the method comprising: (a) providing any one of the apparatuses of claims 1 to 44; (b) inserting the suction tube into the airway of the patient; (c) aspirating a fluid from the airway using any one of the apparatuses of claims 1 to 44.

46. The method of claim 45, further comprising: (e) detecting a patient condition via optical and/or electrochemical analysis using any one of the apparatuses of claims 1 to 44.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The following drawings illustrate by way of example and not limitation. For the sake of brevity and clarity, every feature of a given structure is not always labeled in every figure in which that structure appears. Identical reference numbers do not necessarily indicate an identical structure. Rather, the same reference number may be used to indicate a similar feature or a feature with similar functionality, as may non-identical reference numbers. The figures are drawn to scale (unless otherwise noted), meaning the sizes of the depicted elements are accurate relative to each other for at least the configurations depicted in the figures.

[0025] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of an exemplary configuration of the present apparatus for aspirating an airway of a patient.

[0026] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a configuration of the present apparatus for aspirating an airway of a patient.

[0027] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a configuration of the storage canister housing coupled to the main body.

[0028] FIG. 4A shows an inlet end view of a configuration of the storage canister housing with the inlet in a first position.

[0029] FIG. 4B shows the inlet end view of FIG. 4A with the inlet in a second position.

[0030] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an outer cover of the storage canister housing.

[0031] FIG. 6 shows a side view of FIG. 3 with an outer cover positioned to cover the storage canister housing.

[0032] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the outer cover of FIG. 5 coupled to the main body.

[0033] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an exemplary configuration of a storage container.

[0034] FIG. 9 shows the storage container of FIG. 8 in a collapsed state.

[0035] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a second configuration of a storage container.

[0036] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a third configuration of a storage container.

[0037] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a fourth configuration of a storage container.

[0038] FIG. 13A shows a perspective view of a first configuration of a handle in a closed position with a key inserted into a release slot.

[0039] FIG. 13B shows a perspective view of the handle of FIG. 13A in an open position.

[0040] FIG. 13C shows an exploded perspective view of a second configuration of a handle.

[0041] FIG. 14A shows a perspective view of a second configuration of a handle in a closed position and coupled to a suction catheter.

[0042] FIG. 14B shows a perspective view of the handle of FIG. 14A in an open position and coupled to a suction catheter.

[0043] FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a third configuration of a handle coupled to a light source.

[0044] FIG. 16 shows a side view of a fourth configuration of the handle in an open position and coupled to a light source.

[0045] FIG. 17 shows an example of a canister comprising a filter at both ends.

[0046] FIG. 18 shows one example of a device that is a shock resistant, low profile, noise dampening portable suction device.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0047] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1-2, in some configurations an apparatus 100 for aspirating an airway of a patient includes a main body 104 having a pump 108 (e.g., centrifugal pump) and a storage canister housing 112 coupled to the main body 104. In some configurations, the pump 108 is configured to generate a vacuum pressure of at least 400 mmHg. The main body 104 can include a pressure sensor 116, a controller 120 in communication with the pressure sensor 116 and having a processor 124 and a memory 128, and a power source 132 in communication with controller 120. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A-4B, the storage canister housing 112 can include a first end 136 coupled to the main body 104, and a second end 140 having a weighted portion 144 and configured to be coupled to the first end 136 to permit free rotation, such that the second end 140 gravitationally rotates about a first longitudinal axis 148. In some configurations, the first end 136 can be coupled to the second end 140 with one or more sets of ball bearings to permit free rotation. An inlet 152 is disposed on the second end 140 and can be configured to rotate about a second longitudinal axis 156 that is offset by a distance 160 from the first longitudinal axis 148. In this way, an eccentric center of rotation 164 (with the center of rotation being along the inlet/outlet axis 156) permits the weighted portion 144 to orient the storage canister housing 112 using gravity such that the inlet 152 will move from a first position (as shown in FIG. 4A, inlet 152 is positioned below plane A-A bisecting storage canister housing 112) to a second position (as shown in FIG. 4B, inlet 152 has moved above plane A-A bisecting storage canister housing 112) when the apparatus 100 is placed on any one of its sides (e.g., 168a, 168b, 168c, 168d).

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A-4B, storage canister housing 112 is cylindrical in shape, but can include other shapes configured to have an eccentric center of rotation with respect to the inlet. A storage canister (e.g. 172a, 172b, 172c, 172d) of in FIGS. 8-12, is disposed within the storage canister housing 112 and coupled to the inlet 152 of the storage canister housing 112. A suction tube 176 can be coupled to the inlet 152 and configured to receive a handle (e.g., 180a, 180b, 180c, 180d) that can be coupled to a suction catheter 184. In some configurations, a suction tip attachment (not shown) can be configured to be coupled to a distal end of the suction catheter 184, where the suction tip attachment includes a filter for trapping debris. In some configurations, such as the ones shown in FIGS. 2, 6 and 7, an outer cover 188 (as best shown in FIG. 5) can be configured to be coupled to the main body 104 and enclose a portion of the storage canister housing 112. As shown in FIG. 6, the outer cover 188 is aligned with the main body 104, and then placed over the storage canister housing 112 and coupled to the main body 104 to enclose a portion of the storage canister housing 112, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0049] In some configurations, the controller 120 is configured to measure a pressure at the inlet 152 and shut off the pump 108 when the measured pressure falls below a threshold pressure. In some configurations, the controller 120 is configured to evacuate water, vomitus, solid pieces, solid particulates, and/or blood at a flow rate of at least 0.5 L/min. In some configurations, the controller 120 is configured to provide a pressure range for treating pneumothorax. In some configurations, the processor 124 is configured to determine a patient condition via optical and/or electrochemical analysis.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 8-12, in some configurations the storage canister (e.g., 172a, 172b, 172c, 172d) is configured to be at least partially collapsible. In this way, the overall dimensions of the apparatus can be minimized while providing the ability to hold sufficient fluid volume as needed. As shown in FIG. 8, in some configurations the storage canister 172a can include a first portion 192 having a plurality of ribs 196 defining a fixed volume and a second portion 200 coupled to the first portion 192 and defining a second volume. As shown in FIG. 9, the second portion 200 can collapse to be at least partially contained within the first portion 192 when not in use. In some configurations, the storage canister 172a has a total storage volume of at least 0.2 L. In some configurations, the storage canister 172a has a fixed volume portion capable of holding up to 200 mL, and an expandable second volume portion capable of holding at least an additional 100 mL. In some configurations, such as the one shown in FIG. 10, the storage canister 172b can include an internal spring coil 204 configured to gradually expand the storage canister 172b as fluid fills the storage canister 172b. In some configurations, such as the one shown in FIG. 11, the storage canister 172c can include a male end 208 configured to receive a female end (not shown). In some configurations, such as the one shown in FIG. 12, the male end 208 of storage canister 172d can be threaded.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 13A-13B, in some configurations the aspirating apparatus includes a handle (e.g., 180a, 180b, 180c, 180d) having a first portion 212 that has an opening 216 configured to receive a suction catheter 184; and a second portion 220 moveably coupled to the first portion 212 and configured to receive the distal end of the suction tube 176. In some configurations, a filter is disposed within the opening 216 of the first portion 212 of the handle 180a. In some configurations, the first portion 212 includes a slot 224 for receiving a release mechanism (e.g., key 228) for decoupling the second portion 220 from the first portion 212. As best shown in FIG. 13A, when key 228 is inserted into the slot 224, the internal locking mechanism is disengaged to permit the second portion 220 to rotate from a closed position (as shown in FIGS. 13A and 14A) to an open position as shown in FIGS. 13B, 13C, and 14B. In this way, debris that gets trapped can be quickly removed and the handle 180a can be closed to resume suction. In some configurations, such as the one shown in FIG. 13C, the handle 180b can include two or more portions (e.g., 232a, 232b, 232c) that can be coupled together to form handle 180b. In this way, the handle 180b can be decoupled to remove larger pieces of debris and/or to more easily clean the handle 180b. In some configurations, such as the ones shown in FIGS. 15-16, a light source 236 can be coupled to the handle (e.g., 180c, 180d). As shown in FIG. 16, the handle 180d includes a first portion 240 coupled to the second portion 244 via a break-action type hinge 248. In some configurations, the handle includes a trigger mechanism configured to actuate the centrifugal pump. In some configurations, the handle includes a lumen in fluid communication with an irrigation chamber and the controller configured to dispense fluid from the irrigation container through the lumen. In some configurations, the handle includes an integrated camera.

[0052] In some configurations, the main body 104, storage canister housing 112, and/or outer cover 188 includes a surface coating selected from the group of surface coating characteristics consisting of: anti-reflective, camouflage, electromagnetic shielding, and combinations thereof.

[0053] In some configurations, a muffler system can be coupled to the main body to reduce operating noise.

[0054] In some configurations, the apparatus has an overall dimension of 30 cm×15 cm×15 cm or less. In some configurations, the apparatus has an overall weight of less than 1.2 kg.

[0055] In some implementations, a method for aspirating an airway of a patient includes (a) providing any one of the present apparatuses; (b) inserting the suction tube into the airway of the patient; (c) aspirating a fluid from the airway using any one of the present apparatuses. In some implementations, the method further includes detecting a patient condition via optical and/or electrochemical analysis using any one of the present apparatuses.

[0056] The above specification and examples provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary configurations. Although certain configurations have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual configurations, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed configurations without departing from the scope of this invention. As such, the various illustrative configurations of the present devices, apparatuses, kits, and methods are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, they include all modifications and alternatives falling within the scope of the claims, and configurations other than the one shown may include some or all of the features of the depicted configuration. For example, components may be combined as a unitary structure, and/or connections may be substituted. Further, where appropriate, aspects of any of the examples described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other examples described to form further examples having comparable or different properties and addressing the same or different problems. Similarly, it will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one configuration or may relate to several configurations.

[0057] The claims are not intended to include, and should not be interpreted to include, means-plus- or step-plus-function limitations, unless such a limitation is explicitly recited in a given claim using the phrase(s) “means for” or “step for,” respectively.

REFERENCES

[0058] The following references, to the extent that they provide exemplary procedural or other details supplementary to those set forth herein, are specifically incorporated herein by reference. [0059] 1. C. Prokakis, et al. “Airway trauma: A review on epidemiology, mechanisms of injury, diagnosis and treatment” Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery, 9(1):117, 2014. [0060] 2. Eastridge, B. J., et al, “Death on the battlefield (2001-2011): Implications for the future of combat casualty care” J Trauma & Acute Care Surg, 73(6), S431-S437, 2012. [0061] 3. Peake J B. “Beyond the Purple Heart: continuity of care for the wounded in Iraq” N Engl J Med, 352(3):219-222, 2005. [0062] 4. Champion H R, et al, “A profile of combat injury”. J Trauma, 54(5):513-519, 2003. [0063] 5. A. T. Simpson. “Transporting lazarus: Physicians, the state, and the creation of the modern paramedic and ambulance 1955-73.” J History of Medicine & Allied Sciences, 2013. [0064] 6. Calkins, M. D. “Evaluation of possible battlefield suction pumps for the far-forward setting.” Military medicine, 167(10): 803, 2002.